San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
Sleep apnea in San Francisco can be a serious detriment to your health. There are millions of people in the United States that suffer from this sleep breathing disorder, yet many are totally unaware that they have it. However, there certainly are some myths about sleep apnea that just aren’t true. Your San Francisco sleep apnea dentists at Glen Park Dental are here to debunk these myths!
Myth #1: Sleep apnea is no big deal
Snoring is the major warning sign of sleep apnea. While snoring may not seem like a big deal, it actually is harmful to your health. Obstructive sleep apnea means that the airway is either partially or completely blocked, which means that your body is not getting enough air. This can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.
Plus, for children, untreated sleep apnea can hinder their development, and lead to behavioral issues, which may lead to overmedication of ADD or ADHD when instead, a sleep breathing disorder is to blame. Sleep apnea will not go away, and needs treatment by a qualified sleep apnea doctor in the Bay Area.
Myth #2: Sleep apnea only affects overweight people
While the risk of sleep apnea significantly increases for obese individuals, anyone of any age or size, even athletes, can develop this sleep breathing disorder. This is why a sleep apnea screening in the Bay Area is essential for all individuals who snore or who have chronic fatigue, regardless of stature. Parents, you should pay attention to your child as they sleep, and make note if you notice they snore at all. Snoring is not healthy for children, or even adults.
Myth #3: Sleep apnea can be self-diagnosed
Telltale signs of sleep apnea such as snoring and chronic fatigue are often associated with this disorder. However, the only way to truly know whether you suffer from this disorder is to receive a sleep apnea test in San Francisco from the doctors at Glen Park Dental. Believe it or not, but your dentist is one of the most qualified individuals to diagnose and treat sleep apnea.
Keep in mind that sometimes people with sleep apnea may snore very little or not at all, which is why a screening can be helpful for everyone.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in San Francisco
Getting treatment for your sleep apnea may be easier than you think. At Glen Park Dental, we do not use the CPAP machine to treat this sleep breathing disorder. Since many CPAP users get frustrated with their machine and discontinue its use within a few months, this leaves them vulnerable to the health risks associated with the disorder. Therefore, many of our patients experience relief by wearing a custom-made oral appliance that helps to reposition their lower jaw into proper alignment, thus facilitating an open airway while sleeping. This noninvasive means of treating sleep apnea can be comfortable, yet effective.
To learn more about sleep apnea or to seek better treatment than using a CPAP, please contact Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500 to schedule a consultation.
Glen Park Dental welcomes patients of Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco.
